The RSA Chase favourite was set to test his mettle against seasoned campaigners at Prestbury Park but a minor infection ruled him out.
"The RSA is his target and he just had a very mild infection on his trachea wash on Thursday. Although the wash looked clean it showed high white cells and it meant we couldn't go on Saturday," the trainer said.
Webber isn't concerned about missing a potential prep-race for the Festival given his rising star's experience at the track.
"The early plan was to get plenty of experience round there, his first two runs this season were at Cheltenham and we know he loves the track. We knew with the weather there was every chance we may not have had racing last week anyway."
The RSA is the Festival target despite an entry in the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup.
"He had a Gold Cup entry in case for some horrible reasons the first three in the betting disappeared in the ten days leading up to the race and we might have looked silly if we didn't have an entry," Webber added.
"The last novice to win was Midnight Court so it would make more sense to stick to his route and who knows, the cast for the Gold Cup may change next year."
Time For Rupert is currently best-price 5/2 (Victor Chandler) favourite for the 2011 RSA Chase.
Meanwhile, Paul Nicholls is dismissive of the notion that he might have sleepless nights over the emergence of Grands Crus, whose stunning performance at Cheltenham on Saturday surely announced him as a legitimate threat to Big Buck's in the World Hurdle:
“With the way he runs, it will be nice to have something to aim at,” the champion trainer said breezily.
Bookmakers Victor Chandler aren't quite so sure however and now offer the two-time World Hurdle winner at best-price 10/11 for the 2011 renewal. Grans Crus is best-price 5/2 (888sport) after sustained support or can be backed at best-price 10/11 (William Hill) "without Big Bucks".
Ladbrokes are now offering just 4/1 that none of the 2010 Champions: Big Buck's, Big Zeb, Binocular and Imperial Commander manages to retain their crown — and 125/1 that all four can do so.
For the latest bookmakers free bets and Cheltenham Festival special offers click here.
Time For Rupert remains on course for the RSA Chase
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